El Rio, CA
Population 6,343 · California
About El Rio, CA
El Rio is a small town located in California with a population of 6,343 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $83,233 per year, which is 11% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.7 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in El Rio features a median home value of $639,600, which is 161% above the national median of $244,900. This places El Rio in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,122, 82% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,732 total housing units, 57% are owner-occupied (964 units) and 43% are renter-occupied (728 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in El Rio shows an unemployment rate of 10.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 22.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in El Rio have an average one-way commute time of 24.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
10.9% of El Rio residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 81.1% White, 5.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.3% Asian residents, with 31.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in El Rio, CA
Compared to national averages, El Rio has a median household income of $83,233 (11% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $639,600, which is 161% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,122 is 82% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, El Rio's income is 15% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 2% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in El Rio, CA?
El Rio offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $83,233, well above the national average, and short commute times averaging just 24.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $639,600. However, El Rio’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
El Rio has a population of 6,343 with a median age of 38.7 years. Compare El Rio with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near El Rio
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lucas Valley-Marinwood | 6,331 | $200,938 | $1,360,000 | Compare |
| Hilmar-Irwin | 6,317 | $76,492 | $420,600 | Compare |
| Camino Tassajara | 6,395 | $250,001 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| Huron | 6,425 | $44,784 | $236,500 | Compare |
| Colusa | 6,439 | $68,750 | $357,400 | Compare |
| Salton City | 6,244 | $36,915 | $189,800 | Compare |
| Willows | 6,239 | $78,179 | $286,200 | Compare |
| Wilton | 6,198 | $171,579 | $891,200 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in California
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare El Rio With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about El Rio
What is the population of El Rio, CA?
The population of El Rio, CA is 6,343 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in California.
What is the median household income in El Rio?
The median household income in El Rio, CA is $83,233 per year, which is 11% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in El Rio?
The median home value in El Rio, CA is $639,600, which is 161% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in El Rio?
The median monthly rent in El Rio, CA is $2,122, which is 82% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in El Rio?
The unemployment rate in El Rio, CA is 10.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is El Rio, CA a good place to live?
El Rio offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 6,343 and a median age of 38.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is El Rio, CA?
10.9% of residents in El Rio aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in El Rio?
Key cost-of-living indicators for El Rio, CA: median home value is $639,600 (161% above national), median rent is $2,122/month, and median household income is $83,233. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.7x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in El Rio?
The poverty rate in El Rio, CA is 22.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is El Rio, CA?
El Rio's population is 81.1% White, 5.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.3% Asian, and 0.9% two or more races. 31.7% of residents are foreign-born.